• What is an unsafe vacant property? 

• If an unsafe property is boarded and has a ‘Warning, Do Not Occupy’ notice on it, what should I do if someone removes the sign or I find someone staying there?

• As a tenant, may I report property maintenance violations in my apartment or rental home to Code Compliance? 

• May I notify Code Compliance to report violations on commercial property? 

• Do I have to give my name to report a suspected code violation?

• How do I report a suspected code violation after normal business hours?

• How is it determined whether drawing on a building is art or graffiti?   

• Who do I speak with regarding an extension to make repairs on my property? 

• What happens if/when my case goes to court?   

• What are the penalties of a court citation? 

• What happens if I fail to appear in court?  

• Where can I find information about Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs)?

• How do I find information regarding the Neighborhood Deputies Program? 

ANSWERS

• What is an unsafe vacant property? 
  A property that is severely overgrown that has unsanitary conditions and/or is open or unsecured in a way that would allow unauthorized entry. 

• If an unsafe property is boarded and has a ‘Warning, Do Not Occupy’ notice on it, what should I do if someone removes the sign or I find someone staying there?
  It is illegal to remove or deface the notice and/or enter the property.  Report tampering with the notice to Code Compliance at 404-330-6190. Report unauthorized entry to the Atlanta Police Department www.atlantapd.org and the Code Compliance Office.

• As a tenant, can I report property maintenance violations in my apartment or rental home to Code Compliance? 
  Yes

• May I notify Code Compliance to report violations on commercial property? 
  Yes, Code Compliance inspects both commercial and residential property for violations in accordance with the Atlanta Housing Code, the Graffiti Ordinance, and/or the Commercial Maintenance and Industrial Code (see www.municode.com/services/mcsgateway.asp?sid=10&pid=10376)

• Do I have to give my name to report a suspected code violation?
  No, you may issue a code enforcement request under confidentiality. However, if you would like a follow-up call regarding the status of your request, this information may be necessary.  

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• How do I report a suspected code violation after normal business hours?
  To report a suspected code violation after normal business hours, either leave a voice mail message at our main customer service line 404.330.6190 or complete and submit a code enforcement request. 

• How is it determined whether drawing on a building is art or graffiti?
  Graffiti is the defacing of a building or structure by placing an inscription, a slogan, a drawing, etc., or any modification without prior permission of the owner or the occupant of the property.

• Who do I speak with regarding an extension to make repairs on my property?
  Contact the Code Enforcement Officer assigned to your particular case. 

• What happens if/when my case goes to court?
  On the assigned date, the City of Atlanta Municipal Court will proceed with a formal hearing. The Code Enforcement Officer who issued the citation will normally be present, along with the Judge and Solicitor.  Defendants have the right to present evidence in their defense and may be given the opportunity to present a reasonable plan of action to bring the property into compliance.

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• What are the penalties of a court citation?
  Penalties are as follows:
         o  A fine ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation
         o  Jail time -  between 1 to  60 days maximum per violation, but not to exceed 180 days
             for all charges
         o  Alternative compliance such as demolition, order to vacate, and\or clean and close the
             property
         o  Community service

• What happens if I fail to appear in court?
  A Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant may be issued.

• Where can I find information about Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs)?
  For Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) information, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/planning/npu_system.aspx

• How do I find information regarding the Neighborhood Deputies Program?
  Please contact Tanya C. Mitchell at 404.330.6197 or via email at ndp@atlantaga.gov .